VP Records says it did not send a letter of support to United States authorities for dancehall producer Taugea “Countree Hype” Dayes, who has pleaded guilty to charges linked to the smuggling of 30 firearms to Jamaica.

The record company was responding to a Jamaica Observer report that the label and a corporal in the Jamaica Constabulary Force have thrown their support behind Dayes in sentencing support letters to federal court judge Roy Altman.

The letter referenced in the Observer report was one of nine appearing on court documents and appeared over the name Stephen Chin, VP Records.

“Over the years, I have come to know Mr Dayes as a respectful, hardworking and dependable person. In both professional and personal interactions, he has always conducted himself with professionalism and kindness towards others,” the letter states.

“He has shown a strong sense of responsibility and has maintained positive relationships with the people around him. Based on the character I have personally witnessed, I believe Mr Dayes is capable of learning from this experience and continuing forward in a positive direction,” the letter added.

However the record label, in a letter to the Observer Friday afternoon said, “Neither VP Records nor any member of our executive team issued, authorised, approved, delivered, or otherwise provided any letter of support, quote, comment, or statement in relation to this matter.”

The letter added that the company takes its “reputation and professional integrity seriously”.

According to federal prosecutors, the music producer pleaded guilty to smuggling a weapons shipment, which allegedly included 30 firearms, 32 magazines, and over 100 rounds of ammunition.

The shipment had been concealed inside office chairs but was intercepted by Jamaican authorities in March 2025.

The case sparked a federal investigation in the United States.

Countree Hype is awaiting sentencing and faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

Corporal Jason Bennett, in his letter, wrote that “as someone who works in law enforcement and interacts with many different individuals in both personal and professional settings, I can honestly say Mr Dayes has always presented himself respectfully” and has “shown qualities of leadership, responsibility and compassion towards others”.

Bennett also urged the court to take into consideration Dayes’ character, referencing “the good he has done within the community and the positive influence he has had on others when determining sentencing”.

There was also a sentencing support letter from Zojak Worldwide LLC, as well as letters from several other individuals in support of Dayes’ sentencing request for a downward variance.

The producer has remained positive despite his upcoming sentencing hearing.

In a video shared online, he acknowledged the headlines surrounding the case, saying: “I know some of you may have seen the headlines, some of it may be true… but we positive, big up the people them that reach out to me.”

Despite the guilty plea, Countree Hype said that he remains focused and positive, adding that “God knows best” as he continues to deal with the situation.

He also addressed the backlash and negative comments online by reciting the Bible verse John 8:7: “Let he without sin cast the first stone.”